Covering damp hair keeps it from drying out, so you may end up with a scalp infection if you aren’t careful. [3] X Research source
If your braid extends below your shoulders, tuck the end in the neckline of your top to prevent any hair from being exposed. [4] X Research source Don’t tie your hair too tightly as it might get uncomfortable and give you a headache over the course of the day. Aim to secure your strands away from your face without yanking on them. Constantly pulling at your roots can also cause hair damage. If you usually opt for a tight bun, opt for a softer braid once a week to put less stress on your roots. [5] X Research source
If your hair is cut short or you have bangs, it’ll be a little more difficult to tie back your hair, every strand will still need to be held in place. Try twisting your bangs together before pinning them back
An underscarf will provide you with more coverage and will help hold your hair back. Since many varieties are stretchy and form-fitting to your skull, an underscarf will also help keep your hijab in place.
The additional coverage will allow you to be more creative and less meticulous when pinning your scarf. [9] X Research source Since the full underscarf is opaque, it will also allow you to wear a slightly less opaque scarf over it.
Find a bonnet cap with a non-slip front panel so it stays in place along your forehead. Bonnet caps come with ties at the back, making them easy to secure around your head.
The back opening can sit loose at the back of your head. A stretch knit tube underscarf is a comfortable option, especially for women with long hair, but since the back opening may expose your hair, you’ll need to wear it with an opaque scarf. A wide knit headband would be an alternative to a tube underscarf, although it won’t provide as much coverage.
You could start with the longer end on the left side and the shorter end on the right side, if you like.
If you didn’t need to fold the scarf, just line the edge up to your underscarf. [14] X Research source Feel free to cover up the underscarf or expose 1 to 2 in (2. 5 to 5. 1 cm) of it if it’s a contrasting color. If the shorter end sits near your right shoulder, the longer end will be near your left shoulder.
Feel free to add a pleat in the fabric near your ear or jaw area. This will help non-stretch fabric wrap more elegantly around the curvature of your face. [15] X Research source Make sure the scarf isn’t placed too far forward so that it covers your eyebrows, or too far backward so that it exposes your hairline.
This pin can be readjusted throughout the day if needed. If you’re using a jersey scarf or you prefer not to use a pin, simply pinch the ends together while you start wrapping the long end around your head. If done correctly, the short end should stay in place. [17] X Research source
Keep the inner edge of the long end smooth along the base of your chin. This is especially important if you haven’t used a pin. If the long end started near your left shoulder, you’d bring it towards your right shoulder.
At this point, the scarf should drape nicely in front of your neck and make a smooth transition to the top of your head. [19] X Research source If you just brought the long end to your right side, pass it over your right shoulder, extend across your head, and let it hang loose over your left shoulder.
If the long end started at your right side, it should be back at the right side now. If you’re using a longer scarf, you can continue wrapping the fabric in one more layer. Feel free to pin the end at your crown with a small safety pin if you prefer. [21] X Research source A brooch can also be used to hold the scarf in place instead of a pin.
You can also ask a female friend or relative to look around the back area for you.
Secure the long end to your top with a small safety pin so it doesn’t shift around. [23] X Research source This will not only look elegant but will also keep the ends neatly out of the way.
Try this with a fringed scarf or a floaty chiffon scarf. [24] X Research source
Just make sure the base of your hair is completely covered with this style. Try wearing a full underscarf to get the most coverage. This can work well with a triangular scarf, since the tapered ends will drape beautifully.
With the other end, you can either twist it into a similar coil and wrap it around your neck to finish the look. Alternatively, you can pass the other end up and over your crown and leave the rest of the fabric to hang loose at the side.
Try leaving your hijab slightly looser around the sides of your face to enhance a more rounded face. The extra drape will add dimension and break up the softness of your features. Add folds and texture below your chin to balance a long face or square jawline. Leave a V-shaped peak at the top of your forehead to mirror an oval or heart-shaped chin. This works best over a visible underscarf.
You’ll notice that the shorter end will get folded in half below your chin. Just tuck away the remaining fabric into the folds of the scarf.
For this style, leave the shorter end a bit longer and let it hang down. Keep the folds of the scarf tightly arranged to keep the scarf secure. [29] X Research source
Leave the ends loose at your side if you’d like, or tie them in loose bow to add some volume. This style will leave the front of your neck exposed.
Scarves designed to be worn as hijabs can be found in Muslim stores and online specialty shops. A long rectangular piece of cloth called a shayla is a popular type of scarf used for the hijab. The al-amira is another common headscarf style. [31] X Research source Some women prefer hijabs with slim profiles while others prefer a fuller drape or even a few layers. Try different styles and sizes to see what you like the best.
Chiffon can be very elegant, plus it’s lightweight and breathable. [33] X Research source However, it’s more sheer and prone to slipping, so you’ll definitely need an underscarf. Georgette has a little more texture than chiffon, which prevents slippage, and it drapes just as beautifully. [34] X Research source Jersey, a stretch knit fabric, can be comfortable and provide a lot of coverage since it’s opaque. It can be a great casual choice, and typically doesn’t need to be secured with pins. [35] X Research source You should feel comfortable in the fabric you’ve chosen. If it’s too slippery, too hot, or too tight, try a different material.
Neutral shades such as white, cream, beige, and brown can be flattering and versatile. Think about a color you find flattering in makeup and try a hijab in that color. You might like blush pink, silvery lavender, or dusty blue. Black is also a popular choice. Look for a black scarf with a discreet pattern as opposed to the usual solid.
Keep in mind that the purpose of the hijab is to remain modest, not to draw attention. With that in mind, steer clear of any print or color you think is overly attention-grabbing.
Alternatively, choose a machine-washable jersey scarf and make sure it’s on securely before hitting the gym. [38] X Research source To maintain your hijab, machine-wash it frequently. Along with your hijab, loose jogging pants and a long sleeved t-shirt should serve for most exercise activities. If you play team sports, pick out a hijab in a color that matches your uniform. You may also need to wear a long shirt or bottoms underneath the team uniform.
